Out and about in Dover: The weekend's best bets

If you're looking for something to do this weekend, you don't have to look far. Dover has plenty to do this weekend. Whether you want to keep the Valentine's Day love alive, experience live theater or hear some live music, you'll find it in Dover.

Activated in 1941, the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band has a rich history of inspiring public patriotism and enhancing the esprit de corps among all the U.S. military branches.

The band features the diverse talents of five professional musicians. They travel more than 30,000 miles each year, performing concerts for the public and providing music for military protocol events throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Under the leadership of Maj. Jeffrey B. Warner, the USAF Heritage of America Band remains at the forefront of preserving and enriching America's military and musical heritage into the 21st century.

Did you and your beloved miss Valentine's Day this week? Romance is still available, thanks to the Dover Symphony Orchestra.

The orchestra will perform some light classical selections, most of them familiar movie themes. There will be music by Morricone, the Italian composer known for his film scores; Piazzolla, an Argentine tango composer; Mascagni, whose Intermezzo from Cavalieria Rusticana was used in Raging Bull and Godfather III; and several other selections popularized by film.

Of course, romance lives in the waltz and DSO will be including both the Blue Danube Waltz and the Emperor Waltz. Finally, the night will end with a flourish with "Bolero," Ravel's most famous composition that was specially adapted for the famous British ice-dancing pair, Torvill and Dean.

The Dover Art League will also have four artists exhibiting their lovely work as well. For tickets or more information, visit www.doversymphony.org.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. To honor such a big moment in history, the Schwartz Center is hosting two days of programming that explore and celebrate important moments in black history.

Page 2 of 4 - The events kick off Friday night with the film and speaker series. Explore issues of modern slavery and human trafficking with the documentary, "Not My Life." Afterwards, University of Delaware Assistant Professor of Black Studies Dr. Arica Coleman will lead a discussion on the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment. There's no cost to see the film or participate in the discussion.

Tomorrow night, the celebration gets a bit louder when music gets introduced into the story. "Echoes of a Prophet," the brainchild of Rev. John G. Moore, Sr. is an arrangement of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s most significant speeches woven together with the music of the DSU and Wesley Jazz Band. As an added bonus, Dr. Stanley Cowell, a Rutgers University and Steinway pianist will also perform. Be sure to get a seat early for the pre-concert discussion.

Valentine's Day traditionally sees a lot of couples announcing their engagements. This year, they can get a jump start on all those wedding plans with the 3rd Annual Capital Region Bridal Showcase.

Think of this as a one-stop shop for planning a local wedding. More than 30 exhibitors will be on hand at the event, which aims to help brides plan every aspect of their Kent County wedding. Find a caterer, sample bakers, peruse party favors or shop for venues and fashion.

The event isn't only for brides, though. Grooms get a say in things, too.

Grooms who attend with their brides-to-be can enjoy the new Groom's Lounge, which will serve drinks at the cash bar and televise the NHL match-up between the Buffalo Sabres and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Registered grooms and groomsmen will also be entered into a drawing for a free Dover Days Car Show Registration.

The event's host, the Hilton Garden Inn, will provide hors d'oeuvres and the event's grand prize: a free rehearsal dinner for up to 25 guests with five overnights at the hotel. The prize package is worth $1,600.

Gray said special attention was paid to including every bride's budget.

"Today's weddings can be just as beautiful on a small budget or a limitless one," said Gray. "But, with so much attention on the bride, the gown can be overshadowed by not-so-well designed groom's wear. Representatives from the Men's Wearhouse will be on hand to assist, and a select amount of men's fashions will be featured during the roaming fashion show."

The showcase will also include the first Designer Cake Competition judged by brides and guests at the event.

Page 3 of 4 - Brides who register by Feb. 15 will receive free admission. Guests of the bride, including grooms, can enter at the door for $10, or save $5 by registering online before Feb. 15. Brides and her guests can register online at www.delawarecaptialregionbridalshowcasecom, where a list of the exhibitors is available with links to their websites.

For more information, call Kent County Tourism at (302) 734-8309.

MIDLIFE IS JUST FUNNY SOMETIMES

WHAT "Becky's New Car"

WHERE Patchwork Playhouse, 140 E. Roosevelt Avenue, Dover

WHEN 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday

COST $16 to $18

INFO kctg.org

The Kent County Theatere Guild's season continues with its latest comedy, "Becky's New Car," a thoroughly original and funny story that doesn't shy away from the serious moments, too.

Travel down the road not taken with Becky Foster, who is caught in middle age with no prospects of change anywhere on the horizon. Then, one night, a socially inept millionaire stumbles into her job and Becky is offered nothing short of a new life and the audience is offered a chance to ride shotgun in a way that most plays wouldn't dare.

Under the direction of Denis Stanton, "Becky's New Car"stars Carol Torrey, Larry Mola, Bruce Klinger, David Bralley, Rebekah Kovitz, Jeff Mask and Patti Gatto. The play was written by award-winning playwright Steven Dietz. It premiered in Seattle in 2008. By 2009, it was one of six finalists for the prestigious Steinberg New Play Award given by the American Theatre Critics Association.

KEEP LOVE ALIVE WITH MORE VALENTINE'S DAY ACTIVITIES ON SATURDAY

"A Mid-Summer Night's Dream" reading will be start at 1:30 p.m. at Kent County Public Library, 497 S. Red Haven Lane, Dover. Continuing an eight-year tradition, Shakespeare lovers will celebrate Valentine's Day with dinner and a show. Participants are encouraged to take on a part and read "A Mid-Summer Night's Dream." Come read or enjoy the show. Gift certificates to a local restaurant will be provided after the show. Open to adults and students. Space is limited. Call 698-6440 to register.

Valentine Dance, hosted by ABATE of Kent County at the Marydel Fire Hall, 110 Firehouse Lane, Marydel, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The doors will open at 8 p.m. and XXPosure will perform. Open to the public. Must be 18 years old or older to attend. For more information, call (302) 632-0873.